The wizarding world of Harry Potter comes to life once again with the continued adventures of Newt Scamander, the hero in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. For the movie-goers and muggle-folk who are clueless on Potter-mania, Gellert Grindelwald is the much feared yet much-admired wizard of the magical world in London. His talents and skills are unmatched, except by Albus Dumbledore, the respected headmaster of Hogwarts.
The much-anticipated movie opened in cinemas on November 16th, 2018. To-date, the movie has released not one, but three tantalising trailers to keep fans at the edge of their seats even before the opening movie credits begin.
Hogwarts Revisited
The sequel to Fantastic Beasts begins in London and brings viewers back to the highly acclaimed Hogwarts School of Magic. Like a dream revisited, the school is brimming with bright-eyed, brilliant wizards and witches who will shape the future of the magical world in the Harry Potter series. Taking centre stage at Hogwarts is Prof. Albus Dumbledore (played by the ever-so-handsome Jude Law) as the younger, roguish version of Dumbledore.
Who Will Stand Against The Darkness
The first trailer dramatically opens with Ministry of Magic officials appearing at Hogwarts to question Prof. Albus Dumbledore on his previous student Newt Scamander (played by the sublimely charming Eddie Redmayne). Dumbledore is asked about the whereabouts of Newt rumoured to be in Paris, presumably on Dumbledore’s orders. Never one to reveal his impeccably planned strategies, Dumbledore leaves them clueless on his mission.
Then a succession of quick takes shows the lovable Jacob Kowalski (played by Dan Fogler) and Newt planning a misadventure. There’s the sudden appearance of Credence (played by Ezra Miller) releasing the Obscurus, a dark, destructive force from a London rooftop plus fantastic circus acts and underwater action. Viewers are guaranteed to go ooh and ahh all at once. The appearance of a Bowtruckle, the baby ‘Groot’ of the Fantastic Beasts world and flying Thestrals across the skies with Grindelwald in custody, up the thrill factor. Dumbledore mysteriously adds that he can’t move against Grindelwald, and it has to be Newt.
The Fate Of One. The Future Of All.
In the second trailer, the focus returns to Hogwarts where Dumbledore leads a Defence Against the Dark Arts class. Students use the Riddikulus charm to battle a Boggart and turn it into something amusing. In the process, students uncover their deepest fears and learn how to overcome them. Here, we discover Newt’s greatest fear, a harmless office desk which reflects his fear of having to work in an office.
Much to the students’ and Dumbledore’s amusement, this little episode foretells Newt’s potential as a magizoologist, an adventurous seeker of magical creatures. Unknown to many, the student gazing intently behind Newt is Leta Lestrange who eventually forms a close relationship with him as the plot thickens. Known to many Potterheads, the name Lestrange forebodes evil as the family allies with Lord Voldemort as Death Eaters.
In the background, the menacing voice of Grindelwald echoes that magic blooms only in rare souls. His hatred for mudbloods (non-magic folks) is clear when he scorns all who still skulk in shadows. Plans to rise in dominance over the wizarding world emerge with darkness rising over the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Big Ben in London.
A new character is introduced. Theseus Scamander, Newt’s elder brother is seen to be aiding him to recapture Grindelwald. The best new character of all is Nicholas Flamel, the famed but never before seen alchemist from the Harry Potter series. He possesses the Sorcerer’s Stones, a magical artefact that can produce the elixir of life. Amusingly, Jacob Kowalski meets his acquaintance and ignites a frenzy among fans who finally meet the immortal Nicholas Flamel.
The Future Will Change Forever
In the final trailer, Dumbledore offers Newt access to a safe house in Paris, presumably for a cup of tea when he needs one. Scenes change and Grindelwald is seen escaping the clutches of the MACUSA (Magical Congress of USA) in a most exciting scene involving Thestrals. These are the skeletal winged horses that can only be seen by those who have witnessed death. Questions arise as to why doesn’t Dumbledore capture the enemy himself. Clues are seen in the shadows where the “Mirror of Erised”, a magical artefact that reflects your deepest secrets. It shows Dumbledore’s dangerous desire. Potterverse fans already know the intricate yet estranged relationship that Grindelwald and Dumbledore have.
Grindelwald’s plans take shape as he wants to see the century-old peace between the wizarding and non-wizarding world destroyed. He issues a dire warning to all to join him or die. Dumbledore joins forces with Newt in the chase for Grindelwald. It is now revealed why Newt is the chosen one to capture Grindelwald. It seems Newt is not a power-seeker but a person who sees things right and doesn’t take sides.
The most amazing yet controversial character revealed here is Nagini, Lord Voldemort’s terrifying snake in the Harry Potter series. The trailer reveals Nagini’s origins as a circus performer who is a Maledictus, the carrier of a blood curse which will ultimately transform them into a beast eternally.
The Fantastic Story Of Good Over Evil
The entire story covers how Newt and Dumbledore prevent the notorious Grindelwald from inciting pureblood wizards to rise up and rule over non-magical beings. Throughout the story, new fantastic beasts are revealed, new relationships are forged and never-before-seen discoveries are made.
Brought to us by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie has countless elements that Potterverse fans can relate to. Such is the ingenuity of J.K. Rowling, acclaimed writer and Executive Producer of the movies, when she spins a spellbinding tale. In fact, Rowling has written a total of 5 screenplays for the Fantastic Beasts series.
Just listening to the heart-stopping music of award-winning James Newton Howard who was instrumental to the trademark tunes in Harry Potter and now Fantastic Beasts will thrill you to bits. The first two Fantastic Beasts movies are directed by David Yates, who is also the director of the final four Harry Potter movies. Fans are guaranteed a magical time for the coming years.
The Fantastic Cast
The ensemble cast of Fantastic Beasts returns together with fantastic new characters who add intrigue to an already magical tale. The movie title stars are:
- Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander
- Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald
- Jude Law as Prof. Albus Dumbledore
- Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski
- Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein
- Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein
- Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone
- Zoe Kravitz as Leta Lestrange
- Callum Turner as Theseus Scamander
- Claudia Kim as Maledictus
- Brontis Judorowsky as Nicolas Flamel
- Claudia Kim as Nagini
The Fantastic Beasts
Just like its title, the fantastic beasts that appear in the movie will amaze you from start to end. These include Newt’s baby Niffler, the furry black creature with duck-billed snout and obsession with all things shiny. There’s also the Bowtruckle, Thestrals and Demiguise that are silver monkey-esque marvels that can turn invisible. Most exciting are the new fantastic beasts such as the Augurey, owl-like bird whose cry foretells death. Appearing several times is the Lethifold, a carnivorous dark cloak-like thing that flies across skies. Newt also rides a Kelpie which is a shape-shifting underwater demon.
The Fantastic Spells And Charms
Magic exists with the presence of spell and charms. Watch out for the ‘Deluminator’ in action as it removes and restores lights to street lamps. Viewers will utter ‘Riddikulus’ along with Hogwarts students to transform fears to funnies. Newt uses the ‘Revelio’ charm to reveal secrets and ‘Alohomora’ to open doors. Also popular is the ‘Finestra’ spell to shatter barriers and break an entry. Aurors, the elite magical enforcement officers use ‘Obliviate’ to erase from memory any incidents of magic in the minds of muggles.
However no ‘Lumos’ or light up spell is stronger than Dumbledore’s parting words that happiness can be found in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.
The Fantastic Destinations
London, Switzerland and Paris were the chosen destinations for many scenes of the movie. Keen to be part of the magical world of Fantastic Beasts? Then, London is your destination as the movie was shot predominantly in London. Fans of Fantastic Beasts can also discover the wonders of Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Watching the new movie? It’s also available in 3D and IMAX when you book your tickets at Cathay Cineplexes and earn up to 4% cashback. Book your seat as soon as possible to be one of the first to enjoy this magical adventure on the big screen. For more news, reviews, showtimes and even the ability to book tickets for most in cinemas in Singapore – download the Popcorn app.
Go enjoy the movies and tell us what you liked best about Fantastic Beasts!
Featured image credit: Warner Bros. No copyright infringement was intended
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